John 13-15 (Thursday June 5th)

Welcome to the blog everyone!

Today I will be discussing The Last Supper, as this is what John Chapter 13 is about. To me this chapter brings out much sadness in my heart, but also gratitude for Jesus giving up his life for all of us. What amazes me about this whole chapter is how even in His final hours Jesus was still teaching His disciples and still showed love the two people in the room that would play a role in his death on the cross. It amazes me so much that he knew that Judas would betray him that very night after the supper, yet he still loved him and washed his feet. In verse 34 Jesus says “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” What Jesus said here perfectly describes what he was doing the whole time he was on Earth, and even that night at supper. Just because someone has wronged you or they aren’t the best person, does not mean you should ever be mean back or not love them. Now I ask in verse 23, whom do you think “the one whom Jesus loved” was speaking of? Now the answer is known but if you don’t know it; it will be a good research assignment!

One of the first things that stand out to me in chapter 14 is verse 6 “Jesus answered, “”I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”” This is a very important verse because it follows the verses of Jesus speaking about Heaven and how he is headed there to prepare a place for them.  This goes back to what we were all taking about Sunday night (if you were at the Fowlers). The topic arose about the bumper sticker Coexist, which basic stands for all religions lead to the same place. Which we known to be incorrect, but the point is these religions out there all believe that they have gods and offerings that are going to get them into heaven. But Jesus just stated that the only way to Heaven is through Him. Ask yourself, do you truly know Jesus? Or are you trying to find another way to Heaven, not just through religions, but also through idols and worldly things. Remember, our salvation is not justified through good works, but through the salvation of our Lord and Savior. If we truly love Him, we must obey His commands. And when we do follow his commands we will be filled with the spirit of truth!

I really enjoyed reading John chapter 15 again; this chapter speaks about trying to go our own way, and doing things with out Jesus. Its important to remember that it may seem like were doing okay when we stray from Jesus but, we will soon find out that its temporary and that the true way to be happy and be blessed is by living in the ways of Jesus. We will be rewarded greatly if we just do as he wishes, and just as he said in chapter 13 to love one another as Jesus loves us. He states it again in verse 12. One of the very important verses in this chapter is verse 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse doesn’t say apart from me you can accomplish some things. No, it says apart from me you can accomplish nothing. Keeping that in mind, what can you start doing today to make sure you are including Jesus in your decisions and life?